Designer Shalini James Expands Product Portfolio with Mantra

Renowned designer Shalini James introduces Mantra, a sustainable ready-to-wear (RTW) label that pays homage to the rich 150-year history of the handloom industry in the Malabar region of Kerala. The highlight of this collaboration is the launch of Mantra's latest collection, Mission Malabar SS23.

Mission Malabar SS23 captures the essence of tradition and celebrates the legacy of the Malabar handloom. The collection features a stunning range of ivory and pastel-colored garments tailored for the vibrant summer season. Ivory, an integral part of Kerala handloom, imparts a pristine and serene quality to the feather-light textiles, defining their timeless character. Complementing the ivory, the collection introduces powder-puff pastel hues that gracefully dance around it, creating a harmonious balance that accentuates the true star of the palette. The brand strives to implement a circular business model, from fabric sourcing to packaging.

Mantra envisions an understated version of luxury and aims to democratize modern design and enduring quality. By emphasizing transparent pricing, sustainable sourcing, slow consumption, and minimalistic design, they challenge conventional notions of luxury.

The Malabar region of Kerala has a fascinating history intertwined with the Basel Mission, a Swiss-German Christian missionary society established in 1815. The Basel Mission's entry into the handloom industry brought remarkable success to Mangalore, their first station in India, where they set up a weaving factory. The introduction of the "flying" shuttle and Malabar looms revolutionized weaving techniques, enabling local artisans to create in-demand heavier furnishings and dress materials in Europe. Today, the Mission Malabar SS23 collection serves as a tribute to this remarkable history, blending the past with the present in a contemporary fashion narrative.

Mantra embraces purposeful design rooted in India's extensive textile heritage. With a focus on ready-to-wear collections for women, their creations reinterpret timeless silhouettes to seamlessly integrate into modern lifestyles. Each garment exemplifies expert craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring aesthetic appeal and lasting quality. Mantra is an incantation, epitomizing Shalini James' signature beliefs and reflecting the rich tapestry of Indian textiles.